'People aren't careless': Ride-hailing passenger shows compassion despite driver in Selangor missing turns twice, causing 30-minute delay
In a Facebook post uploaded by Sailajah Selveekam on Monday (July 21), she recounted how she felt frustrated when the driver missed turns twice, despite being clearly guided by Google Maps.
"Honestly, I was frustrated. He even received a warning from Grab," said Sailajah, adding that the missed turns caused her to be late by nearly 30 minutes.
She decided to check in with the driver to see if he was alright.
To Sailajah's surprise, the driver apologised, explaining that he was distracted when he lost his way.
"That sentence changed everything. I put my frustration aside and calmly guided him to my destination," she said.
In her post, she said in that moment she realised people's struggles aren't always visible — and that choosing kindness makes a difference.
"Sometimes people aren't careless. They're just carrying something heavy we cannot see," said Sailajah.
She also added that when she reached her destination, she gave him some cash, which nearly brought him to tears.
Before she left, Sailajah said she gently reminded him to tune in to a local radio station and to drive safely.
In the comments section, netizens praised Sailajah for her kindness, while others noted that by putting themselves in other people's shoes, they could better relate to the challenges they face.
One user also pointed out that the driver might have had many things on his mind due to his age, and expressed appreciation for Sailajah's politeness and understanding.
The post has since garnered over 17,000 likes and 3,500 shares.
[[nid:689496]]
xingying.koh@asiaone.com
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